-Afghanistan- mechanical bank c. 1885

This cast iron mechanical bank, "Afghanistan Bank", was created by the Kyser & Rex Company around 1885. The bank is a whimsical representation of a bank building with two pigs pulling a lever. When a coin is inserted into the slot, the lever is pulled, and the pigs move. The bank is a great example of the popular "mechanical bank" genre of the late 19th century, when these items were made to be both entertaining and educational for children. The bank, featuring a green base and gold accents, is a captivating relic of a bygone era, reflecting both the fascination with faraway lands and the burgeoning popularity of banking in America.